The SOS Library is a bank of tried and tested software that switch users and their families can borrow for home use. It offers a wide range of software to enable the switch user to develop their switching skills.
The SOS Library is based at Keycomm, and is available to individuals with additional support needs and communication difficulties who reside within the Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Please phone us on 0131 311 7130 to make an appointment to visit the SOS Library.
More About the Switch On Software Library
The software within the SOS library has been specifically chosen for its ease of use. All the software is easy to install and uninstall, and written guidance is offered to assist with this.
Please note: Keycomm does not provide computers, and is unable to offer technical support for the SOS library.
Using the SOS Library to Develop Switching Skills
Switching is a sophisticated skill to learn. There are three main levels of switching to learn; cause and effect, switch timing and choosing with switches.
1) Cause and Effect
Initially, the switch user needs to understand the relationship between pressing the switch, and the resulting reward.
2) Switch Timing
The next stage is learning to press the switch at the right time. This is a difficult skill to learn as it requires the switch user to have the necessary motor and cognitive skills to operate the switch as well as an understanding of the task. Lots of software helps the switch user to develop this skill.
3) Choosing with Switches
Finally, the switch user needs to learn to select chosen items by scanning through the options available. This offers the switch user more control and choice in the direction of game. It also gives them access to a much wider range of curricular material.
Provision of the Software
Families are able to borrow up to two software titles from the SOS library at one time. This is loaned to the family on the understanding that any software installed onto a home computer will be uninstalled upon its return to the loan bank. The borrower is asked to sign a contract to this effect.
Software is available to loan for a two month period, and should be returned promptly at the end of this time span. If the family wish to extend the loan, they should phone Keycomm on 0131 311 7130 to request this. Software can be exchanged at any point during this time, however we ask that you phone to make an appointment to do this.
Hardware
Although KEYCOMM is unable to provide families with a computer for use with the software, it will loan the other necessary hardware needed to run the SOS library software.
To use the SOS library, a switch, and a switch box need to be attached to the computer.
Also known as a switch interface, the switch box plugs into the USB or serial port on the computer. The computer automatically recognises the switch box. This then translates the command of the switch into an action within the software program.
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